SAINTS NATION: TRAINING CAMP POSITION BATTLE PREVIEW - WIDE RECEIVERS

this is a discussion within the Saints Community Forum; Today we look at a position group that's been fairly depleted over the last few years in terms of talent. Robert Meachem bolted for San Diego, Devery Henderson got too old, and Adrian Arrington never really panned out. What's left ...

Today we look at a position group that's been fairly depleted over the last few years in terms of talent. Robert Meachem bolted for San Diego, Devery Henderson got too old, and Adrian Arrington never really panned out. What's left behind a couple reliable but aging starters is a slew of youngsters with some ability but lots of unknowns. I view the receiving corp as a pretty wide open battle with so many unproven players. Predicting how this plays out in terms of the 53 man roster is difficult, but the Saints need someone to emerge as a clear cut #4 for this offense to continue to perform at the peak level. Here are the players:

Marques Colston: The quiet storm continues to be as effective and solid as ever. He did have some drop and fumble issues at times last season, but he continues to be largely very reliable. He provides a huge target for Brees that moves the chains and regardless of how well covered he is, Brees will never fear to fit a ball in a tight window for him because of his belief he'll use his frame to make the play over a smaller corner. He's eclipsed 1,000 yards in 6 of his 7 seasons as a Saint. His blocking is also a major asset. He's an unquestioned starter.

Lance Moore: Moore is a terrific playmaker with great hands, but perhaps his most underestimated quality is his route running ability which is as good as anyone in the league. Moore quietly eclipsed 1,000 yards for the first time in his career last season and he's emerged as one of the team's go to targets. His slight frame is of course the negative, but he does a good job of avoiding big hits most of the time. He's also an unquestioned starter.

Joe Morgan: Before the DUI this offseason I would have told you he's a lock as the #3 receiver. While that casted a tiny cloud of doubt over his standing, I feel reasonably confident that's still the case. He only caught 10 passes last year but really made them count, averaging 37.9 yards per grab. He does a good job of stretching the field with his speed and figures to have a much increased role this year with Devery Henderson gone. The big question is whether he can do much else besides run deep routes as a receiver. I will say his blocking has come a long way and he was much improved in that department as the season wore on, which allows him to see the field more in different situations. I think he's a roster lock, but if he continues to be one dimensional in what he brings to the table, I could see another player emerging to leap frog him as the #3. Still, his play making ability is too good to ignore and his roster spot is virtually a lock.

Courtney Roby: The special teams ace is a roster lock due to his captaincy and prowess with that unit. He always seems to see an extended amount of playing time during the preseason at receiver, look reasonably good, only to never see the field on offense when the games start to count. He doesn't have great hands and doesn't run great routes, though. I still think he's good enough to help in spot duty on offense, but his role with this team is clearly as a gunner and not much else. He does offer a nice blocking complement to the running game. When he is on the field on an offensive play the Saints utilize him most in that capacity.

Nick Toon: Toon spent his rookie season on IR and will try to use that redshirt season of sorts to bounce back and prove he's ready to become one of the top four guys. His pedigree, being the son of Al Toon, is certainly a bonus in his favor. Toon reminds me a bit of Colston because of his big frame, they are roughly the same size. Colston seems to be a bit longer and lean, though, while Toon's build is a bit more compact and rounded. He can still use his massive frame to impose on corners, though, and he does have a bit more speed than Colston. Consistency will be the main key for him, like so many others. The talent and potential is very high. I believe he'll make the roster, but he's battling for that last spot or two with many others.

That would be awesome but is most likely not happening. I Think he already this year will see a tighter coverage and thus his average will drop.

If we're putting more emphasis on the run game, teams are going to have to stack the box and leave receivers in one on one coverage. Not to mention, Moore, Colston and Graham will see the majority of the tighter coverage